Clinical Education

Eric graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin. He has been an acute care therapist for 8 years working at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and currently the University of Minnesota Medical Center with Fairview Health. His primary focus has been in the intensive care units (ICU). He is currently a Clinical Specialist within Fairview focusing on the medically complex patient. Eric has given lectures on Early Mobility in the ICU as well as attended the John Hopkins Early Mobility conference. He also assisted in the creation of a comprehensive ICU orientation program for therapists. Eric's research focus is the early mobilization of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

MHealth Fairview

Jennifer graduated from Arcadia University with a B.A. in Biology and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She is a sports certified and therapeutic pain specialist with clinical interests in concussion, vestibular, chronic pain, and sports performance. 

She has found it incredibly rewarding to work as a mentor and clinical instructor of physical therapy students from the University of Minnesota. As a clinician, she can only treat a finite number of patients but by teaching and influencing future physical therapists she can ensure high-quality care is provided to a much larger number of individuals.

Boynton Health

Dan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in kinesiology and coaching prior to pursuing his doctorate of physical therapy (DPT) degree from Regis University in Denver, CO. Dan has a broad background in both orthopedic and neurologic conditions, having practiced extensively in both settings. He has been with STEP Therapies for the last 8 years and is currently the Director of Orthopedics there. He has strong professional interests in anatomy and neuroscience, manual therapy, dry needling, corrective exercise and pain science. He has pursued significant education and specialization in the performance of dry needling and has received his advanced certification.

Dan also has a very strong interest in education and academics and seeks to advance his ability to help, teach and mentor students. Dan thoroughly enjoys and appreciates the opportunity to host and mentor UMN DPT students as part of their clinical education in order to advance their knowledge and skills, maximize their potential and help create successful therapists.

STEP PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC

Ryan completed his undergraduate degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in Biology. He later completed his Doctor of Physical therapy training through the Mayo School of Health Sciences. He is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist since 2010. Ryan has been a member of the Minnesota American Physical Therapy Association Research Committee since 2013. He has presented locally on the management of cervicogenic headaches, treatment of thoracic dysfunctions, implementing clinical practice guidelines and clinical prediction rules into clinical practice, and using a risk management approach for the treatment of low back pain.

Ryan is the clinic supervisor of the Institute for Athletic Medicine clinic in Elk River, MN. The Institute for Athletic Medicine provides physical therapy services for general orthopedic conditions. Ryan provides specialized treatments for injuries related to throwing, running, and gymnastics/dance.

Ryan has had the pleasure of working with many students. He has a strong desire to help new and seasoned therapists to improve their clinical reasoning skills and treatment abilities to maximize outcomes in the realm of physical therapy.

Institute for Athletic Medicine

Kate came to physical therapy as a second career after completing a B.A. in French and Economics at Macalester College. Changing course five years after graduation, she attended night and weekend classes at the University of Minnesota and St. Catherine University to complete the prerequisite coursework for PT school. Kate earned her Masters in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Sciences and her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Iowa State University.

Kate has 15 years of physical therapy experience. She currently works at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center and enjoys a mixed practice including vestibular therapy, concussion management, orthopedics, cancer rehab, aquatic therapy and some neurological diagnoses.

Kate's secondary focus during her doctoral studies was higher education. She really enjoys using her skills to help other people find and follow their passions, answer questions that are interesting and important to them, and facilitate growth. She is passionate about listening, educating, empowering and connecting people to the resources they need. She particularly likes working one-on-one with students as a CI. She looks forward to hosting UMN DPT students and learning from them as she mentors them in the clinic.

M Health Fairview